Volume 5, Number 4
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006
www.marianist.com

PUERTO RICO HOSTS FIRST HISPANIC MEETING

Bros. Francisco González and Reinaldo Berríos and Fr. Don Wallace hosted the Province’s first Hispanic meeting Feb. 10-12 in Puerto Rico. Conducted entirely in Spanish, the meeting brought together Hispanic brothers, contacts, aspirants and novices from around the Province and brothers who work in Hispanic ministry to discuss ways to increase vocations and improve formation. “It was helpful to receive the feedback,” said Bro. Charles Johnson, Province vocation director. “The discussions heightened our awareness of the needs of Hispanics, especially those considering a religious vocation.” Speakers included Fr. Clemente Barron, a Passionist vocation minister, and Jesus Abrego, director of Hispanic ministries for the diocese of Beaumont, Texas. Bro. Charles said the meetings were a first step in helping Hispanics discern their call to religious life and determining how the Province can better support these efforts.

AN INTERVIEW WITH . . .
BRO. CHARLES JOHNSON, VOCATION DIRECTOR

Photo by Bro. Jim Wisecaver

Between a trip to Puerto Rico and a trip to Cape May, Bro. Charles Johnson sat down for an interview. He talks about what excites him about his job, the hardest part of his job, and how Marianist brothers can help him with vocations. Read the interview with Bro. Charles.

HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL IN SAN ANTONIO TO CLOSE

Holy Rosary School in San Antonio will close in May after serving the San Antonio archdiocese for 57 years. Holy Rosary parish, which is administered by the Marianists, will remain open. The parish and school are located next to St. Mary's University. The closing is a result of low enrollment, according to Fr. Rich Wosman, who serves as president of the School Council. Although the school could handle 300 or more students, the current enrollment is only 109, causing a budget crisis. The school is not a Province ministry, but Fr. Rich as well as Bro. Paul Metzger have offered considerable volunteer time at the school, and St. Mary's University has provided generous assistance with the school's physical plant. Sr. Gretchen Trautman, FMI, serves as principal. Our prayers to all involved in this transition.

SECOND “REFLECTION GROUP” DIALOGUES IN ATLANTA

Marianist brothers participated in a second Province Reflection Group in Atlanta Feb. 6-8, 2006. (The first group was Jan. 5-6 in Phoenix.) The purpose of the groups is to have open conversation to develop input for the Provincial Chapter, Provincial Council and the membership. By all accounts, the groups were hugely appreciated and successful. Seated, Tim Dwyer, Jack Ventura, Larry Doersching, Mike Reaume, John Habjan and facilitator Dick Hoerl; standing, Jim Wisecaver, Mike O’Grady, Hugh Bihl, Bill Bolts, Tom Redmond, Ed Brink, Bill Behringer, Gerry Pleva, Jim Vorndran, Roland Bunda, Pat Tonry, Sean Downing, Bob Metzger, Bob Wiethorn, Rich Wosman, John Campbell, Frank Damm and Frank O’Donnell

PHOTO LEFT: In Atlanta, Bros. John Campbell (left) and Tom Redmond; PHOTO RIGHT: Fr. Mike Reaume (right) presides at Eucharist, with Fr. Tim Dwyer. Photos courtesy of Bro. Jim Wisecaver

CHAPTER TO DISCUSS VISIONING, FUTURE STRUCTURE

From March 3-7, the members of the ninth session of the Provincial Chapter in St. Louis will discuss the visioning process recommended by the September 2005 Chapter. Other agenda items at the Chapter include the future structure of the Provincial Council and Provincial Chapter and preparation for the General Chapter (Read General Chapter documents). Read the convocation of the Chapter from Provincial Stephen Glodek. View the proposed agenda and meeting timetable. Our prayers for the Chapter members in this important work. (Note: All chapter documents are available on the PORTAL . Click on ”Documents” and then click on “Chapter Documents.”)

STUDENTS ATTEND VOCATION CONFERENCE

Marianists and students rally at St. Mary’s University. Front row, Bro. Mike Sullivan, Frs. Cris Janson and Robert Osborne, Bro. Roy McLoughlin and Fr. Richard O’Shaughnessy. Second row, Bro. Tim Pieprzyca (3rd from left). Back row, Novice Andy Kosmowski (4th from left) and Sr. Vange Escobar (5th from right)

The first of two vocation conferences for high school students was held Feb. 3 at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Twenty-three students participated from Vianney, St. Louis; Central Catholic, San Antonio; St. Joseph’s, Victoria, Texas; Chaminade Preparatory, St. Louis; Nolan Catholic, Ft. Worth; Daniel J. Gross, Omaha; St. Mary’s, St. Louis; Archbishop Moeller, Cincinnati; St. Anthony, Maui and St. Laurence Youth Group, Amarillo, Texas. Fourteen adult moderators and several students from St. Mary’s University assisted with the event. The second conference is scheduled for March 3-5 in San Antonio.

OHIO BROTHERS HONOR CLEVELAND’S 150th

A few of the brothers from Dayton and Cleveland who enjoyed the reception in January honoring 150 years of Marianist presence in Cleveland. At St. Patrick Church, Bros. Hugh Bihl, Richard Roesch, Dave Conrad, Bob Dzubinski and George Kemmett

BRO. ALVIRA DISCUSSES STATE OF EDUCATION

Does education continue to be a valid means for the Marianist apostolic purpose? Do Christian and Marianist educational institutions have meaning today and will they in the future? What role should they play? These are some of the questions explored by Bro. José María Alvira, assistant general for education, in the Feb. 15 issue of S.M. 3 Offices. Read more.

Photo by Bro. Jim Wisecaver

Marianist Spirituality
FR. STANLEY OFFERS CHAMINADE DAY HOMILY

Fr. Tom Stanley (Mercy Siena, Dayton) offers an inspiring homily from the Chaminade Day Eucharist on Jan. 22 at Queen of Apostles Chapel at Mount St. John in Dayton. From Fr. Tom’s homily: “ . . .(a) quotation from J. Paul Getty, who at the time of his death, was the richest man in the world. Mr. Getty was quoted as saying: ‘My formula for success is: rise early, work late, strike oil.’ I believe that was Father Chaminade's formula as well. He was an early riser, worked long hours, and, while at prayer and meditation in the chapel of Our Lady of the Pillar in Saragossa, he struck oil.” Read Fr. Tom’s homily. (Please share your homily or speech on Marianist spirituality by e-mailing dguerra@sm-usa.org)

COLEGIO SAN JOSÉ PRESENTS FOUNDER’S AWARDS

Colegio San José in Puerto Rico held its annual Founder´s Award celebration Jan. 26, recognizing the work of laypeople who support the school and represent Fr. Chaminade´s legacy. The Semidey family was one of three Founder’s Award recipients. Bro. Francisco González (second from left), school principal-director, presented them with a serigraphy from Puerto Rican painter and San José alumni, the late Andrés Bueso. Shown, daughter Priscilla, parents Priscilla and Héctor, son Héctor Luis and daughter María

At the celebration, Fr. Jim Fitz, assistant provincial (left), with Bro. Reinaldo Berríos and Héctor Ball, former Founder´s Award recipient. Photos by Cecil Pedrosa

PERSONNEL NEWS

Bro. Ken Thompson has been assigned to the Marianist Residence in San Antonio, effective March 1. He will assist the Care Center staff with transportation and other services.

MARIANIST LIFE SOUTH COORDINATORS MEET

During its recent meeting in San Antonio, the coordinating team for Marianist LIFE South shared evening prayer and supper with the Marianist sisters at Our Lady of the Pillar convent and the brothers of the Ligustrum community. Front row, Henry Van de Putte III, Lainey Trahan, Christopher Cantu, Nicole Trahan, pre-novice, Eileen Kleffner, visiting Lay Marianist, and Hermann Von Bertrab. Back row, Rudy Reyes Jr., Andres Novela, Debbie Horn, Joyce Detzel, novice, Srs. Laola Hironaka and LaVon Kampf and Vangie Perez. Not pictured, Maria Smith, Srs. Eileen Cehyra and Stephanie Morales and Fr. Bernie Lee

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF . . .

William Meyer, Lt. Col. Bruce Montague, USMC, Maureen Schwaller and Rose Winter. Read more.

ORCHID SHOW, MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

Photo courtesy of Bro. Bob Resing, S.M. Bro. Bob's images are available for sale as note cards or prints. To order, visit www.resingart.com

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Fr. Donald Bracht (Mercy Siena, Dayton), who was hospitalized with a fever and other ailments.

Bro. Ray Gohring (Region of Eastern Africa), who is recovering from an angioplasty.

Bro. Dario Tucci (General Administration, Rome), who underwent serious surgery and is in critical condition. Bro. Dario is the director of AGMAR (Archivist-General).

Please pray also for Leïla Badra, Sr. Audrey Buttner, Ramón Rodriguez Murillo, Angeline Stratman and Victoire. Read more.

MYSTERY MARIANIST

Our Mystery Marianist is shown in his 1964 graduation picture from the newly established Nolan Catholic High School. He made first vows in 1965 and survived Hurricane Katrina. Who is he?

UD PROGRAM WILL REACH MEC SCHOOLS

Fr. Gene Contadino, director of Marianist outreach at the University of Dayton, visited Marianist secondary schools in St. Louis to discuss a new program designed to improve the relationship between UD and Catholic high schools, beginning with those in the Marianist Education Consortium. “UD is committed to its Catholic, Marianist identity, and this program can assist in the lifelong formation of those who want to affiliate themselves with the Marianist tradition,” Fr. Gene said.

During a visit from Fr. Gene Contadino to St. John Vianney High School, seated, Vianney President Fr. Robert Osborne, student Mike Oliger and Fr. Gene; standing, students Kyle Allen (left) and Andy Eggleston

WHO'S DOING WHAT

Bro. Gene Frank (Villa St. Joseph, Cupertino) is the editor of a new Marianist blog. The page includes a variety of topics, information and links. To comment or provide content or links, visit Bro. Gene’s blog.

Bro. Gene’s blog homepage

Bro. Leo Slay (Cure’ of Ars, St. Louis) used his culinary expertise to assist in the renovation of the kitchen and dining facilities at St. Anthony Jr./Sr. High School in Maui. New kitchen equipment and an a la carte service line are among the improvements made to the new Trojan Café— named for the school’s mascot. The changes were enthusiastically received by students and staff.

Bro. Leo Slay with cafeteria employees Selene Ornellas, Rawena Chong, Hoku Ornellas and Serina Souza

Bro. Peter Daino (Region of Eastern Africa) is on a one-year sabbatical from his ministry in Malawi, where he teaches technical education to young adults orphaned by AIDS and famine. While in the U.S., Bro. Peter will study irrigation agriculture, a technique which can improve farming in Malawi.

Bro. Peter Daino visits with Patti Reeg, Province grant director, who works on grants for Malawi and other foreign missions.

Bro. Joe Barrish invites all to “Sites & Sights: Dayton USA,” a showing of reliefs, paintings and prints at Gallery Saint John in Dayton through March 19. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Bro. Tobias Ferrer, Fr. George Onida and Bro. Jerry Sullivan have selected a name for their new community in Charlotte, N.C. It will be called San Juan Diego in honor of the first native American saint.

Bro. Tobias, Fr. George and Bro. Jerry celebrate Chaminade Day with visitors.

Fr. John Leies (Marianist Residence, San Antonio) wrote an editorial in the Feb. 3, 2006, issue of Today's Catholic on the sanctity of life.

Marianist Artists at Work
ABZ: BRO. ANDREW BRIAN ZAMPIER

Bro. Brian Zampier (Marybrook, St. Louis) has been an artist assistant to Bro. Mel Meyer at Marianist Galleries in Kirkwood, Mo., since 2003. Bro. Brian has worked as a graphic designer and freelance artist whose illustrations have been featured over 200 times in the National Catholic Reporter. At the Marianist Galleries, he has branched out into creating frescos, welding metal sculptures and even drawing with a 40,000-degree plasma cutter on metal. What has remained constant throughout his artistic career is sketchbook journaling, which he has practiced since 1974. “I still love it and I make some kind of mark each day. It is a way of checking in with my creator and giving evidence that I am alive and grateful for another day. I am so grateful for my life as a co-creating Marianist and artist and encourage others to give it a try.”

This fresco was inspired by an image in one of Bro. Brian's sketchbook journals.

PHOTO LEFT: With a 40,000-degree plasma cutter on metal used as a "pencil," this drawing of "Mother and Child" was done directly on metal with no preliminary lines. PHOTO RIGHT: Some of Bro. Brian's new work includes welding metal sculptures.

CFL ANNOUNCES RETREAT SCHEDULE

The Christian Family Living Retreat Center on Topsail Island, N.C., is accepting applications for its summer programs. Family Life: What A Circus! is the theme for the family retreats which run from June to September. For more information visit the CFL Web site.

CFL retreat center

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: SHARING FUND The Marianist Sharing Fund Committee has allocated $253,950 to 94 projects. Read the list of grant recipients. The committee received 136 proposals totaling over $950,000. Grant checks will be presented to the funded groups before March 1. Proposals for the 2006-2007 grants are due November 2006. Application forms will be available April 17, 2006. Bros. Bob Wiethorn, Bill Grundish and Dan Stupka of the DeSales Crossings community in Cincinnati present a check from the Marianist Sharing Fund to Sr. Sally Sherman of Mercy Connections. 2007 FEDERAL BUDGET The federal budget is marked by unprecedented increases in military spending and cuts to every major social program. Express your concern. IMMIGRATION HB 4437 makes felons out of 11 million illegal immigrants in this country and targets agencies such as Catholic Charities. Find out more. Contact Myles McCabe, Province Director of Peace & Justice, mmccabe@sm-usa.org. 314.533.1207, x. 235

BERGAMO CENTER AIDS INTERNATIONAL ARTISANS

The Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning helped raise $35,000 at its first annual International Artisan Market sale in December. The proceeds benefit the Catholic Relief Action Work of Human Hands Project, which promotes economic justice for low-income artisans overseas. The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative and the Marianist Mission also participated. Handmade pottery, cloths, baskets and toys and a variety of international coffees were among the items sold.

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . .

VILLA ANGELA – ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL

Approximately 50 VASJ students will participate in the school’s annual 30-Hour Hunger and Homeless Experience Feb. 24 -25. The students will explore homelessness and hunger through a series of empathy exercises and educational activities. They also will spend time at local social agencies and service sites in Cleveland.

PURCELL MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL is working with Chaminade-Julienne and Archbishop Moeller High Schools to develop a student exchange program. The program encourages social justice awareness and participation and provides volunteer opportunities. The next exchange is scheduled for Feb. 27 at Moeller.

ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL is one of 12 schools nationwide to be honored at the National Catholic Educational Association convention April 18-21 in Atlanta. St. Mary’s was chosen for this honor by Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine. The magazine recognized St. Mary’s for its innovative approach to meeting the academic, social and spiritual needs of teenagers.

UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON received a $200,000 gift from its national alumni association. The donation will be used to renovate a historic building which will house a center showcasing the school’s history.

UD REC PLEX IS FREE FOR MARIANISTS The University of Dayton invites all members of the Society of Mary to use its new Rec Plex facility for free. Brothers can gain free access by registering in the Rec Plex office and using either their campus identification card or an entrance card provided by the office. Visiting Province members should call the Rec Plex office during normal business hours at 937.229.2731 to pre-register. For additional assistance, contact Kate Henry at 937.229.2409.

MAKIN’ MUSIC FOR THE STEELERS

Congratulations to the North Catholic Marching Band from Pittsburgh, which led Dan Rooney, chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a 1950 alum of North Catholic, in a parade to salute the Super Bowl Champions.

Limited quantities of bookmarks imprinted with the Province Mission Statement are available. Please contact Pat Stephens at pstephens@sm-usa.org.

IRISH TEACHERS VISIT VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL

Five teachers from St. Laurence College in Dublin, a Marianist secondary school, spent the week of Feb. 13 in St. Louis as part of an exchange with St. John Vianney High School. In March, five Vianney faculty will travel to St. Laurence. Shown at Vianney, Ann Bennett, President Fr. Robert Osborne, Lisa Barnes, Vianney students Pat Book and Ted Grimes, Ollie Fay, Malachy Devine, Vianney Principal Larry Keller and John Rowe

OOPS . . .

Last issue we switched the names of the Central Catholic teachers who received the Marianist Heritage Award. Shown are Fr. Joe Tarrillion congratulating Robert Trigilio (left) and George Connors. Our apologies!

OUT AND ABOUT

Read the upcoming travel schedule of members of the Provincial staff in St. Louis.

Read updated changes to the personnel. For more copies of the new personnel, e-mail amueller@sm-usa.org. Remember that personnel information on the PORTAL is updated on a regular basis at www.marianist.com/portal

SUMMER PROGRAM IS COOL

The Cape May Summer Retreat Planning Day was held Feb. 4 at St. Peter’s Celestine in Cherry Hill, N.J. About 25 volunteers gathered to discuss ideas for the 2006 summer retreat theme. This year’s program will focus on the “extreme” challenges families face every day. The team agreed an excursion to the Arctic would be a fitting backdrop to demonstrate this year’s theme: “Family Life is Cool.” ABOVE: Fr. Terry Weik, Daria Mojibian, Josh Durand and Fr. Ted Cassidy

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

TOPSAIL. Read the Jan./Feb. 2006 issue of High Tidings, the e-newsletter from the CFL Family Retreat Center in N. Topsail Beach, N.C.

MYSTERY MARIANIST UNVEILED . . .

It’s Bro. Paul Galantowicz, who is currently living in New Orleans. His life lesson: "The spirit of the Society is the spirit of Mary."

JUST ONE MORE . . .

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Bros. Peter Daino (kneeling) and Brian Zampier visit with the Lincolns at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill. A celebration was held at the museum to honor Lincoln’s 197th birthday on Feb. 12.

February

March

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Editor: Diane Guerra; assistant: Ann Mueller. This biweekly e-mail newsletter produced by the Society of Mary features news about the Society of Mary (SM), Daughters of Mary Immaculate (FMI) and lay Marianists. Bro. Stephen Glodek, SM, provincial; Fr. Jim Fitz, SM, assistant provincial. Read the 2005 publication schedule and deadlines. Read hints about submitting photos and copy. NEWS: We'll include news of travels, health updates, prayer requests, community celebrations, professional accomplishments, birthdays, and whatever personal or community news you'd like to share. Send news, digital photos and comments and suggestions to Diane Guerra at dguerra@sm-usa.org and use "FamilyOnline" as your subject line. TECHNICAL PROBLEMS: If you're not receiving this newsletter in the proper format, with proper spacing and photographs and art appearing, please let us know and we'll try to find a solution. If we can't, we'll put you on our "NOTIFY ONLY" list. CHANGE IN E-MAIL ADDRESS: Send to Ann Mueller at amueller@sm-usa.org. NOTE TO DIRECTORS: Please print this newsletter and post or distribute to brothers who do not have e-mail. BACK ISSUES/SEARCH: Visit www.marianist.com/fol. SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE: Visit http://www.marianist.com/subscribe.htm. Remember: you can search the archived issues of FamilyOnline at www.marianist.com/fol. Type in the word(s) you're looking for, open the issue, pull down the "Edit" bar and click on "Find on This Page," which will take you to the exact spot you need.